Philadelphia, PA (July 31, 2023) – The National Constitution Center today announced today it will award its 35th annual Liberty Medal to acclaimed journalist Judy Woodruff and patriotic philanthropist and business leader David Rubenstein for their inspiring work in modeling and promoting civil dialogue about the shared values of liberty that unite Americans. The National Constitution Center will honor Woodruff and Rubenstein at a ceremony overlooking Independence Mall on October 27, 2023.
“Judy Woodruff and David Rubenstein have convened and inspired conversations across America about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution” said National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. “As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, their work is a model of civil dialogue and civic education about the past, present, and future of the American Idea.”
Judy Woodruff has spent her illustrious career in network, cable, and public television news protecting and defending First Amendment freedoms, and inspiring people to speak truth to power. Beginning as a White House correspondent with NBC News, and currently serving as senior correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, after 11 years as its anchor and managing editor, she has covered every presidential election and convention since 1976 and moderated presidential debates. She is also a dedicated advocate for women in journalism, co-founding the International Women’s Media Foundation in 1990. Her newest project, “America at a Crossroads,” is dedicated to understanding the divisions facing our country and how to heal them.
Co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group David Rubenstein works tirelessly to preserve American history and improve our country’s civic knowledge. He has made transformative gifts for the restoration or repairs of our national monuments, preserved rare documents that he has loaned to civic institutions from the National Archives to the National Constitution Center, and supported numerous other restorations, building, and collection projects. He also serves as the host of multiple programs, and is the author of four books, including The American Story and The American Experiment. He is chairman of the boards of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the National Gallery of Art, among a number of other boards, and also serves as a trustee of the National Constitution Center.
The Liberty Medal, established in 1988 and hosted by the National Constitution Center since 2006, recognizes individuals who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. Recent recipients have included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Senator John McCain, U.S. Representative John Lewis, the Dalai Lama, and Malala Yousafzai.
The Liberty Medal prize of $100,000 is sponsored by Ira Lubert and Pamela Estadt, who have supported the award for more than a decade. The Liberty Medal is also made possible by support from corporations, foundations, and individuals with proceeds going to further the work of the National Constitution Center. Sponsorships and individual tickets to the Liberty Medal Ceremony and Dinner Reception are available for purchase. Inquiries about supporting the event should be directed to [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: Credentials are required for press entry to this event. More information about press coverage will be provided in the coming weeks.
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About the Liberty Medal
The Liberty Medal was established in 1988 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Given annually, the medal honors individuals and organizations of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. A full list of all past recipients is available here: constitutioncenter.org/liberty-medal/recipients.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
